Get matched with top water softener pros in Hurst, IL

Q: What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter, and which one do I need?

• <div><p>The primary difference between a water softener and a water filter lies in what they remove from the water. A water softener is designed to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. In contrast, a water filter has a broader effect, removing various contaminants above a certain size, which can include bacteria and other impurities.</p><p>To decide which you need, consider your goal. If you want to eliminate hard minerals, choose a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, a filter is the better option. Filters are also generally less expensive to install. Depending on your water supply, you may need to install both for comprehensive treatment.</p></div>

Q: What's the best way to fix hard water in the shower?

• <div><p>The most effective way to fix hard water in your shower is by installing a whole-home water softening system. This system treats water as it enters your home, removing the minerals that cause hardness before they can reach your shower or any other fixtures. While this is the most comprehensive solution, other methods are often temporary fixes. For a more affordable and shower-specific option, you can install a water-softening showerhead or a shower filter. However, these filters are generally less effective and may not remove all the contaminants that lead to limescale and hard water stains. By implementing a water softening solution, you can expect a reduction in mineral deposits and enjoy the benefits of cleaner-feeling hair and skin.</p></div>

Q: Does water with calcium buildup taste different?

• <div><p>While not everyone can detect taste differences in high-calcium water, water that has a slightly metallic taste probably has too much calcium.</p></div>

Q: Does a water softener ruin a water heater?

• <div><p>The chemicals in a water softener can wear down the anode rod in the heater and shorten its life span. However, for most people, the benefits of the softener outweigh this potential drawback.</p><p>Have a plumber inspect the anode rod annually for damage, as replacing the anode rod is far less expensive than replacing the entire water heater. </p></div>

Q: Are hard water stains permanent?

• <div><p>Hard water stains can be a headache because they will reoccur as long as hard water flows through. Thankfully, hard water stains are not permanent. With the right tools and an appropriate cleaning routine, you can prevent hard water stains from ever building up. However, you might feel like you are stuck in a constant cleaning cycle. In that case, you may consider hiring a contractor to perform routine cleaning.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Softener Service pros in Hurst, IL

*The Angi rating for Water Softener Service companies in Hurst, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Softener Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Water Softener Service companies in Hurst, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Softener Service needs.

Last update on April 04, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
I found Jacob and Eric Gottberg through your agency. They told me they were licensed plumbers. I paid them $1500 to replace pipes under my house and get my water running and toilet flushing. I've had an electrician come to rewire the house and he said there was a leak. I called Jacob and Eric...
GMI
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Reviewed in January 2024
Great company to work with. Had a water leak under concrete slab which was fixed quickly. We also had two bath and kitchen remodel which they worked with my schedule to complete. Great and very professional to work with. Would recommend to anyone needing plumbing services.
Lyma Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
LOVE the system Leaf Home Water System installed! Our well water had been contaminated and unusable. Very reasonably priced and they provided affordable financing also. Very professional and reliable. We now have the cleanest, best water in the county! Highly recommend their no maintenance, no...
Leaf Home Water Solutions
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Reviewed in December 2021
Josh is the best! Called late one day with leaky toilet and he made time for us the very next evening. He replaced whole toilet and lines and his prices can not be beat! He’s coming on Sunday to replace our water heater. On a Sunday! I absolutely recommend him for any work you need done!
JL Construction
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Reviewed in June 2017
My first time using Home Advisor proved to be very helpful. Previously, I called 3 other gutter installers in my area. Two never returned my calls and the third called, left a message but did not return my second call. After filling out the form on the HA site, Matt Chaute, the owner of Gutter...
The Gutter Guys
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Reviewed in April 2016
This is a family run plumbing out fit that used to be known as Kraft Plumbing. Arrived on schedule, provided estimated cost for a new A/O Smith 50 gal water heater and took careful measurements in the furnace closet and had to cut the floor tile to accommodate to the slightly larger heater. ...
A & W Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2015
So when a plumber charges for 550 feet of 1 inch line and puts in only 160 feet of line don't you think they over charged? Plus the 900 feet of 1 1/2 was overcharged by 150 feet. Oh and charged for EXTRA WATER LINE!!!! Yeah, I won't recommend this plumber to any again. His excuse was well we had...
Blankenship Plumbing & Excavating
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Reviewed in October 2014
After having 3 other companies come out and look and attempting to work with our home warranty company for two weeks. Justin from Baker and Sons, came out gave me a diagnosis and was able to cap the active leak under the house the first visit. <br /> Baker and Sons understood we needed...
Baker & Sons Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2014
The house we bought had a washer, dryer and hot water tank in the kitchen. Well, needless to say, they needed a place they could call their own. Being the bathroom was the smallest room in the house and already shared it space with the furnace, we decided that would be a great place for the...
Arnold Plumbing
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Find Water softener pros in Hurst

Crawlspace / Basement Waterproofing Solution

4.4(

256

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Hurst, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I used this service over a year ago. I don't remember the person who did it. I would remember if there was anything I didn't like about them. But because of the time that has passed, I can say that has made a big difference in reducing the amount of seepage in my basement. If I even ever see any more seepage, I would call them to fix more cracks. Forget all the expensive water proofing. Get these guys to identify the worst cracks and fix them!!
"

+13

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.1(

)

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWater Treatment & Purification System - Repair or ServiceWell Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Hurst, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I own a two flat in the city. Today i got a call from one of my tenants telling me that there was a leak. i called mcDonoagh and Sons and within two hours, they ha a Technician come out on st Patrick's day diagnose the problem, get the appropriate parts and fix it. I was very impressed with the responsiveness and the speed of service. He also made helpful recommendations for how to maintain my water heaters.
"

Recommended by96%of homeowners

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWater Treatment & Purification System - Repair or ServiceWell Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Hurst, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Once I receive the Water Heater I can give a better review."

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Hurst, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"Not good. The water leaks had caused black mold that had to be repaired. When repairs were completed 3 months later, the valves still leaked from the stem when turned on. It was past 60 days so I had to pay another $100 service fee to have the water leaks fixed. He tightened the packing and quoted $350 to replace the valves. Sheesh."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Basement Seepage Solution Inc

3.6(

)

Well Pump - Repair or Service

Serving Hurst, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Some water after 1st repair, they came back and fixed it. Now no water!"

Recommended by70%of homeowners

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DelVon Hardaway

New to Angi

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or Replace

Serving Hurst, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

DelVon Hardaway is the professional you are looking for when a home or business energy analysis is required. More and more this is becoming a valuable tool across the country. Everyone needs a current energy audit, so do not hesitate to call DelVon Hardaway for your energy savings analysis.

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Rod Franklin Well Services, Inc.

New to Angi

Water Treatment & Purification System - Install or ReplaceWater Treatment & Purification System - Repair or Service

Serving Hurst, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our water treatment systems and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to working with you.

Request Quote

Water Softeners questions, answered by experts

The primary difference between a water softener and a water filter lies in what they remove from the water. A water softener is designed to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. In contrast, a water filter has a broader effect, removing various contaminants above a certain size, which can include bacteria and other impurities.

To decide which you need, consider your goal. If you want to eliminate hard minerals, choose a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, a filter is the better option. Filters are also generally less expensive to install. Depending on your water supply, you may need to install both for comprehensive treatment.

The most effective way to fix hard water in your shower is by installing a whole-home water softening system. This system treats water as it enters your home, removing the minerals that cause hardness before they can reach your shower or any other fixtures. While this is the most comprehensive solution, other methods are often temporary fixes. For a more affordable and shower-specific option, you can install a water-softening showerhead or a shower filter. However, these filters are generally less effective and may not remove all the contaminants that lead to limescale and hard water stains. By implementing a water softening solution, you can expect a reduction in mineral deposits and enjoy the benefits of cleaner-feeling hair and skin.

While not everyone can detect taste differences in high-calcium water, water that has a slightly metallic taste probably has too much calcium.

The chemicals in a water softener can wear down the anode rod in the heater and shorten its life span. However, for most people, the benefits of the softener outweigh this potential drawback.

Have a plumber inspect the anode rod annually for damage, as replacing the anode rod is far less expensive than replacing the entire water heater.

Hard water stains can be a headache because they will reoccur as long as hard water flows through. Thankfully, hard water stains are not permanent. With the right tools and an appropriate cleaning routine, you can prevent hard water stains from ever building up. However, you might feel like you are stuck in a constant cleaning cycle. In that case, you may consider hiring a contractor to perform routine cleaning.

The Hurst, IL homeowners’ guide to water softener services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Paige Bennett
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Water Softener and Is It Right for Your Home?
Water softeners remove minerals from hard water in your home and make your water more pleasant to use. Learn more about how they work here.
Allie Ogletree
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How a Water Softener Works: Comprehensive Guide
Water softeners work to remove unwanted minerals from hard water through a filtration and recharge cycle. Keep reading to learn how a water softener works.
Taylor Sansano
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
4 Water Softener Alternatives That Ditch the Salt
There are four common softener alternatives available on the market today. We compare and contrast each one to help you find your best-fit solution in this blog.
Becca Stokes
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
Water Softener Regeneration: A Brilliantly Discreet Method for Removing Hard Water
Water softeners rid your home of hard minerals and, well, soften your water. Even better, the regeneration process is an automatic cycle that works when you’re least likely to use it.
Dan Simms
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How to Inspect Your Water Softener in 9 Simple Steps
Your water softener works overtime to keep your water safe. Use this guide on how to check your water heater for damage or poor performance.
Allie Ogletree
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
Give Your Water a Gentle Touch With These Efficient Water Softeners
Water softeners remove hard minerals from your tap water, improving plumbing systems and water-using appliances. Here are the most efficient water softeners out there.